Leading international investors began a three-day road show with briefings from Egyptian Prime Minister Hisham Kandil, members of the Cabinet and heads of economic committees from top Egyptian political parties

Cairo, 18 September 2012 -- Leading international investors with more than USD 500 billion in total assets under management began a road show in Cairo on Sunday led by EFG Hermes, the leading investment bank in the Arab world.

More than 20 investors from the United States, Europe, South Africa and the Middle East with a combined USD 2 billion already invested in Egypt began their three-day road show with high-level briefings from Egyptian Prime Minister Hisham Kandil and senior Cabinet Members including the Ministers of Investment, Industry, Tourism, Housing, Petroleum and Minister of State for Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

Investors also met with the heads of the economic committees of major national political parties.

"There has never been a more important moment for top global investors to hear about the current state of economic and political affairs in our nation directly from policymakers and future lawmakers," said Mohamed Ebeid, Co-Head of EFG Hermes Securities Brokerage. "Investors heard first-hand views on the future of the economy as well as steps the government is taking to enhance the investment climate."

Noted Wael Ziada, the firm's Head of Research: "These meetings sent the very clear signal that Egypt is open for business -- and that growth, going forward, will not just deliver returns to investors, but an improved social justice framework that will eventually improve the lives of all citizens, particularly those most at risk."

Prime Minister Kandil discussed with investors a range of economic, political and security issues, painting a picture of nation fully ready to get back to business following the recent conclusion of its transition to democracy. He further noted the government's strong interest in seeing successful investment in projects in infrastructure and labor-intensive industries.

"We are absolutely delighted that Prime Minister Kandil and senior members of his cabinet have been so generous with their time," concluded Ebeid. "It is vital to ensure investors have clear insight into the economic, political and social future of Egypt, and the willingness of senior policymakers and upcoming legislators is core to investment strategies in increasingly important markets such as Egypt."

About EFG Hermes
Established in 1984, EFG Hermes is the leading investment bank in the Arab world. The Firm specialises in Securities Brokerage, Investment Banking, Asset Management, Private Equity and Research. EFG Hermes is listed on both the Egyptian and London stock exchanges. The recent acquisition of a 65 percent stake in Credit Libanais marks the first step towards EFG Hermes's transformation into a universal bank and will enable it to rapidly expand into retail and commercial banking.

Through its operations in Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the UAE, with over 1,000 employees of 25 nationalities, EFG Hermes serves a considerable and diversified client base from the Middle East and North Africa to Europe, Africa and the United States. Our clients include governments, corporations, financial institutions, high net worth clients and individual customers.

For further information about EFG Hermes, please visit www.efghermes.com.

For further information, please contact:
mediainquiries@efg-hermes.com

Press Release 2012